A life Lived Well?
Does such a life exist? If so, how is it measured? Who is in charge of measuring it? If lived in a different time, or a different place, does the definition of a life well lived changed? If so, how are we to determine now what this life looks like without using current tools of societal creation, or perspectives developed with our own life’s experience?
These questions, although ultimately unanswerable, at least in reference to others, serve a great purpose for those seeking truth for themselves.
Are you able to relate to the following?
My vision of a life well lived:
1. Close family relationships upon or prior to death
2. A collection of adventurous memories.
3. True and unconditional love both given to and received from a partner
4. Peacefulness – a deep and feeling peacefulness that is evident and growing during life and peaks moments prior to death
5. Having elevated persons in life above where they were stationed and to where those persons elected go
6. Leaving behind a legacy that continues when gone (this can be in many different forms)
7. A treasure chest of wisdom based on personal experience and coupled with the sharing of that wisdom.
For me, it is not important that a life be measured while still existing in its current form. Of course, many of us do this, but doing so is a waste of precious and valuable time. We must simply move forward with conviction.
Taking into account the list above, it is most important to understand the fact others will determine the true measurement and result of our life. In addition, this will be primarily done when we are gone.
There will be talk about you while living - rumors, uplifting things shared between others concerning you, and more. However their true contemplation of your life, who you were, and what your impact was, will only be seriously considered when you (or I) are gone.
Maybe however, the above list is a subconscious way of how I would like my own life measured. In fact, it is probable this is the way I am measuring it myself.
How about you? What is your vision of a life well lived?
We spend so much time projecting our concern on others, and mostly fail to view, review, and renew on our life. This is not new information for most of you, nevertheless it bears repeating.
Take a moment and create a list reflecting you own vision, as is listed above. After you are finished, contemplate it for a bit. My list really was a reflection of who I measure my own life and how I want to be measured. What about yours? Be honest with yourself. Your view does matter. To some degree, your view will determine your personal evolvement and joy in life. Briefly put, is your focus on judging others creating yourself for others?
